Gain pharmacy work experience in Sri Lanka which will enhance your CV and teach you new skills

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Join our Pharmacy internship in Sri Lanka and prepare for your future career in the field. You’ll gain practical work experience while observing and assisting experienced local pharmacists. You also have the chance to take part in medical outreaches in disadvantaged communities.

This internship gives you an opportunity to find out more about healthcare practice in a different country. You can learn about medical issues that are prevalent in the area, and how they are treated. It’s a great way to enhance your theoretical studies with real-life insight.

During your time in Sri Lanka, you’ll be able to discover more about the local way of life. Living with a host family is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture. You’ll make new friends, meet new people, and explore some of the incredible sights Sri Lanka has to offer.

End Date

Volunteers / Interns

ChildrenAges 3-14(reduced price)

Children aged 3-14 must be accompanied by at least one adult paying full price

We offer discounts for families and groups of friends travelling together. Call us on 01903 708300 for more info.

Personalised MyProjectsAbroad website, with all the information you need about your project, accommodation and destination

A free cultural awareness course

Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch

Support to help you complete registration or internship documents, if applicable

What's not included?

Flights

Visa costs (where applicable)

Is a Pharmacy internship in Sri Lanka right for me?

Are you a current or prospective pharmacy student? Or maybe a recent pharmacy graduate? If yes, then this internship is ideal for you. It’s an excellent way to gain practical experience in a different cultural setting, and boost your CV.

This internship is available year-round, with a minimum commitment of four weeks. We have flexible start and end dates, so you can select a time which best suits you.

You will be supervised by qualified pharmacists and medical staff during your internship. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a comprehensive induction which will run you through everything you need to know about your Pharmacy placement in Sri Lanka.

Medical Electives for Students

This project is also perfect for university medical and healthcare elective students. The real-world insight and knowledge you gain will help shape you as a future medical professional. You will also learn to work with different people and get a broader perspective of global healthcare systems and issues. This benefits your career for years to come. We can organise a placement that meets all of your university's requirements.

What will I do on the Pharmacy Project in Sri Lanka?

On this internship, you’ll take part in a range of observation-based and practical activities in a hospital pharmacy. Duties at your pharmacy placement in Sri Lanka include:

Observe local pharmacists as they go about their day-to-day work

Assist with a variety of tasks around the pharmacy

Take part in medical outreaches which benefit disadvantaged communities

Improve your own skills at educational monthly workshops

Your work will be divided into four main categories:

Observe local pharmacists as they go about their day-to-day work

An important part of this internship is learning from skilled professionals. You’ll observe local pharmacists as they go about their day, preparing and dispensing medication to patients. Ask questions, take notes, and make the most of this educational opportunity.

Assist with a variety of tasks around the pharmacy

You will also have the chance to help with the packaging of medication, as well as the dispensing, under supervision. If you are confident, there may also be an opportunity to do data capturing alongside the local pharmacist.

Take part in medical outreaches which benefit disadvantaged communities

We run regular medical outreaches in disadvantaged communities, which are open to all our Medicine & Healthcare interns. Here you will conduct basic health checks, such as blood pressure and sugar levels. You will also dispense medication where needed, under the supervision of a local doctor.

As part of our outreach work, you might also have the chance to help raise awareness about specific issues relevant to the local community. Topics could include Dengue Fever symptoms and treatment, or the importance of hygiene for reducing infections. These presentations take place at local schools and community centres.

Improve your own skills at educational monthly workshops

There is an opportunity to improve your skills and expand your knowledge at our regular monthly workshops. These are also open to all our Medicine & Healthcare interns, and are led by a local doctor.

You will learn about illnesses that are specific to the area, for instance, and how to diagnose and treat them. You may also learn basic medical skills, which you will then put into practice at our outreaches.

Where in Sri Lanka will I work?

Our Pharmacy Internships in Sri Lanka are based in two towns, Panadura and Horana. The two are only 18 km apart, and are located south of the former capital Colombo. Sri Lanka has plenty of incredible sights to explore and activities to experience during your time off. Why not visit some of the national parks, historic temples, bustling restaurants or beautiful beaches? And that’s just to start. You can also get involved in sporting activities such as scuba diving or hiking, discover the local markets and check out some of the ancient ruins.

Panadura

Panadura is a large coastal town situated around 30 km south of Colombo. As an intern, you’ll spend your time in the pharmacy unit of a local hospital. Panadura is home to a number of beach resorts, temples and an extensive bus network for easy travel.

Horana

Horana is a small town located around 40 km south of Colombo. You’ll be working in the pharmacy department of a local hospital, which is easy to access via public transport. Horana has all the modern conveniences you might need, including banks, grocery stores and restaurants.

AIRPORT PICKUP, FLIGHTS AND VISAS

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Sri Lanka Arrival Procedures page.

A typical day on the Pharmacy Project in Sri Lanka

A typical day on this internship runs from 8.30am - 12.30pm, and then from 2pm - 4pm, Monday to Friday. You will work under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist.

Wake up in the home of your host family and enjoy a delicious breakfast. You’ll then travel to your placement via public transport - either bus or rickshaw. On your first day, our staff will accompany you to show you the way.

You will be placed in the pharmacy of a local hospital. You’ll spend your time observing the local staff at work dispensing medicine. Hands-on work is possible in the form of packaging medicine and data capturing.

On certain days, you’ll also take part in medical outreaches in a disadvantaged community. Here you’ll work under the supervision of a local doctor. You’ll help to conduct basic medical checks and dispense medication.

Once you’re done for the day, it’s time to discover the sights and sounds of your new surroundings. Join in on our regular socials, where you can get to know your fellow interns, or spend some time swapping stories with your host family. Don’t forget to visit the local monuments, markets and beaches.

What are the aims and impact of this project?

The main aim of this project is to provide students and graduates with an educational, practical internship in an international environment.

Many of the people who join us on an internship are looking to gain work experience in a different cultural setting. We organise projects where you can work alongside skilled local staff, gaining insight into their profession. It’s an opportunity to learn from others, and share knowledge and ideas as part of important cross-cultural exchange.

There is also an altruistic dimension to this internship. While Sri Lanka has free healthcare for its citizens, it is sometimes limited or inconsistent, especially in disadvantaged areas. You will take part in regular medical outreaches, which provide local communities with basic healthcare checks, treatment, and medication. If it wasn’t for these outreaches, many of these people would otherwise not receive medical care.

We have identified the following four goals as the focal points for our work in Sri Lanka:

Improve access to basic healthcare for disadvantaged groups

Improve standards of hygiene

Promote awareness of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure

Help to reduce the number of cases of Dengue fever

Join us on a Pharmacy internship in Sri Lanka and gain work experience while learning about pharmacy practice in a different country.

Management Plans

We set out the aims and objectives of our projects in documents called Management Plans. We use them to properly plan the work you’ll do. They also help us measure and evaluate our achievements and impact each year.

Ultimately, our Management Plans help us make our projects better. This in turn means you get to be part of something that makes a real impact where it’s needed. Read more about our Management Plans.

Measuring Our Impact

Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.

Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION

You'll stay with a host family in or around Colombo. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Sri Lanka and have a truly unique experience.

We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND FREE TIME

Sri Lanka is well-known for its diverse landscapes. From beaches to tropical jungles, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant country.

The buzzing Pettah Market is a must-see. You can chat to friendly vendors, buy handmade products, and enjoy the electric atmosphere around you. For cultural enrichment, you can spend an afternoon in the National Museum of Colombo. The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is also a highlight, with its vast collection of artefacts.

The town of Galle is a sea port with a strong Dutch heritage and plenty of old colonial buildings to explore. You can also venture inland to hike in the hills, swim in the cool waterfalls, and visit traditional hill towns.

Sri Lanka's national parks include safari parks where you can spot wildlife like leopards and elephants. Or spend an early morning bird-watching in one of the wetland sanctuaries. There are also rainforest reserves crammed full of tropical biodiversity.

You’ll be sharing this unique experience with many other volunteers. This means you can travel solo or spend your free time with the friends you make during your trip.

SAFETY AND STAFF SUPPORT

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Gishan Perera

Country Director

Gishan became part of the Sri Lankan team in May 2006. Before he joined Projects Abroad, he gained experience in many different fields, such as IT, Agriculture and Travel and Tourism. Gishan took over as the Country Director for Sri Lanka in October 2013, he is a very enthusiastic person who enjoys sharing his knowledge of the Sri Lankan way of life.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Aruni Jayawardane

Teaching & Care Supervisor

Aruni, a Sri Lankan who is Zambian-born, joined the Projects Abroad team in 2012. Aruni works closely with all Teaching and Care volunteers. She helps with providing useful resources to support the Care & Teaching Management Plans, giving a focus to volunteers' contributions at their placements. She is involved in the planning of the High School Specials and other two-week group trips each year. Aruni spends her leisure time exploring and rediscovering Sri Lanka.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Rasmi Ahamed

Assistant Accountant

Rasmi is from a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka called Arugambay. He studied accounting at the Mercury Institute of Management and joined Projects Abroad in September 2014. Rasmi is a keen sportsman and he often plays cricket for his district. His favourite sports are cricket and football.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Amir Jurangpathy

Volunteer Coordinator

Amir is of Indonesian descent, and was born and raised in Sri Lanka. He joined Projects Abroad in June 2016 and is passionate about the welfare of people. Amir is an aspiring chef and enjoys playing cricket and practicing Muay Thai in his spare time.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Johann Rebeira

Volunteer Coordinator

Johann was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka and studied a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and mass communication. He joined Projects Abroad in June 2015 after having previously worked for another NGO and humanitarian organisation. Johann is a foodie and is passionate about travel, blogging and photography. During his free time you will find him singing, playing the piano, swimming, attending musical theatre or watching a good game of rugby.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Mohamed Niyas

Volunteer Coordinator

Mohamed was born in Hambantota on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Before joining Projects Abroad in June 2016, he worked for the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Mohamed enjoys photography, playing volleyball and painting in his spare time.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Dinusha Thirimanna

Medical Supervisor

Dinusha studied IT and project management at Ananda College in Sri Lanka. He joined Projects Abroad in the summer of 2015 after having previously worked at a financial services company. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling around Sri Lanka, spending time with friends, swimming, and playing pool and cricket.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Yunara Satharasasinghe

Volunteer Coordinator

Yunara studied psychology and counselling through the National University of Ireland, and human resource management at the Institute of Personnel Management in Sri Lanka. She is passionate about drama and theatre, and trained professionally at the Shakespeare Centre in Sri Lanka. Yunara joined Projects Abroad in September 2016 and enjoys working with volunteers from all over the world.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Anu Rajapakse

Project Supervisor

Anu graduated with a postgraduate diploma in IT and human rights. She joined Projects Abroad in June 2011 and enjoys interacting with and helping the volunteers. Anu is a creative and energetic person who enjoys a good challenge.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Christelle Beauviche-Shoulder

Volunteer Advisor

Christelle joined Projects Abroad as a Volunteer Advisor in September 2013. Previously, she enjoyed teaching French to children and worked for many years as a Personal Assistant. She studied English Literature and Languages at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Christelle is from France but has also lived in England and in the United States. In her free time, she likes spending time with her family, painting, dancing and hiking.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Gabriela Estrada

Volunteer Advisor

Gabriela was born in Guadalajara, she has a degree in Foreign Languages. She has worked as an English teacher and translator for several years and she joined the Projects Abroad team in 2016. She loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, going to concerts and cultural events. Gabriela has had the opportunity to travel through South America and Western Europe.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Thami Bhakana

Volunteer Advisor

Thami was born in Worcester but has lived in Cape Town for most of her life. She has a degree in tourism management and previously spent time volunteering with disabled children at a home before joining Projects Abroad in February 2016. She loves to explore new places and was grateful that her first trip overseas was the Philippines, one of the world’s most welcoming countries. When travelling, she recommends that everyone go with an open mind and a willingness to embrace their new environment. In her free time, Thami enjoys reading motivational books or novels, watching movies and listening to music.

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